tabernacle

[tab-er-nak-uh l]

noun

any place or house of worship, especially one designed for a large congregation.

(often initial capital letter)the portable sanctuary in use by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt to the building of the Temple in Jerusalem by Solomon. Ex. 25–27.

Ecclesiastical. an ornamental receptacle for the reserved Eucharist, now generally found on the altar.

tabernacle

n.

mid-13c., "portable sanctuary carried by the Israelites in the wilderness," from Old French tabernacle (12c.), from Latin tabernaculum "tent," especially "a tent of an augur" (for taking observations), diminutive of taberna "hut, cabin, booth" (see tavern). Transferred late 14c. to the Temple in Jerusalem (which continued its function). Sense of "house of worship" first recorded 1690s. The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (mid-October) was observed as a thanksgiving for harvest.